KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The UMKC women’s basketball program was selected by the NCAA last week to participate in a mentorship program aimed at increasing interest in women’s college basketball for a second consecutive year.

“We are thrilled and honored to be accepted into the Advancement Program for the second year in a row,” commented head coach Jacie Hoyt. “Last year’s support from this was a great success and resulted in our biggest crowd of the year. We look forward to a second year and plan to capitalize on the support to make this year’s fan experience bigger and better.

Prior to the 2017-18 season, the NCAA invited Division I members to apply to participate in the Women’s Basketball Advancement Program, a pilot initiative that matches schools with professional marketing experts for mentorship and assistance in increasing attendance and improving the overall fan experience. UMKC was among thirty schools, including major programs Arizona, Purdue, Louisville and Mississippi State, chosen by the NCAA to participate in the program’s second year in 2018-19.

A group of advisers will work with schools to help them evaluate their current marketing programs including social media, ticket sales, advertising and promotions, and will then will assist them in making program improvements. The advisors appointed to the program provide a wealth of experience and knowledge, including former Nevada head coach Jane Albright and former Detroit Pistons and Pepperdine University consultant Heather Collart.

More than 80 schools applied for the program last year that increased attendance figures at all 20 programs who participated. Members of the advancement program are confident that similar numbers can be attained once again in 2018-19.

“We look forward to a second year and plan to capitalize on the support to make this year’s fan experience bigger and better,” said Hoyt. “The growth of our game and ability to grow and connect with our fan base is something our program takes very seriously.”